Tiddalick the Frog... an Australian folktale

 

I had the privilege today to hold a storytelling workshop for a group of teachers. By using oral storytelling, teachers can improve concentration and motivation in their students. This is a common problem with language teachers (and perhaps even class teachers) of students who do not pay attention or ones who lack motivation.  Just imagine if you could solve that problem by having a story in your toolbox that you can tell to the whole group at the drop of a hat (or the blink of an eye). Let me explain how storytelling works with your brain for an optimal learning situation.

First, according to recent educational neuroscience, the brain needs three things to be able to learn and move information to long-term memory. Education needs to be meaningful, relevant and enjoyable. By telling an oral story, you can stimulate the brain of the listener to relax  (letting go of stress that prohibits learning when the amygdala is overactive). For many, the act of listening to a story is enjoyable. This is a tradition which has been alive for centuries in cultures around the world, and obviously still serves an important function. This will help your students concentrate.

Second, since an initial story engages the brain through emotion, the following information will become more meaningful. Let me give you an example. I have told a story about a jackal to a group of 1st-3rd graders. They listen with full attention and are eager to ask questions afterwards when they want to see pictures of a jackal and pictures of other similar animals to be able to compare them. They discuss similarities and differences in both looks and living conditions. This information is relevant to them, because the story awoke their curiosity about jackals. Compare this technique to starting the lesson with pictures and talk about jackals. This is not meaningful to the students unless they have had a personal experience with a jackal. Otherwise, their brains are trying to figure out why this is important (making sense if this is meaningful). BY using a story, you can motivate your students to want to learn more.

What have you got to lose? Try telling a story to your class at the next available opportunity. See yourself if it improves their concentration and motivation. #muntligberättande #berättelser #sagor # berättare #pedagog #lärare